The 96th National Sports Festival has ended its week-long run in Gangneung, Gangwon Province on Thursday with a closing ceremony.

Athletes who competed in the event from 17 cities and provinces nationwide attended the closing ceremony themed "A path to open the future." 

The ceremony ended when next year's host South Chungcheong Province was handed the festival flag.

This year, Gyeonggi Province defended its title for the 14th straight year tallying 144 gold medals.

Sprinter Kim Kuk-young was named the tournament's MVP (most valuable player) winning won four medals in short distance track and field events.